Andrew Mitchell MP has met with Neil Barker, Managing Director of National Express UK Bus services, to discuss the future of bus services in Sutton Coldfield. Mr Mitchell raised concerns about local bus services in his constituency, and in particular the 68A and 68C, both of which have been recently discontinued. Sutton’s MP noted that a number of his constituents were also concerned about the new bus timetable published by National Express.

During the meeting, Andrew Mitchell stressed the vital importance of the bus network for Sutton residents, linking them to work, friends and family.

Mr Barker acknowledged that bus services play a critical social and economic role in Sutton Coldfield and across the country and said he believed the Government had made the right choice in choosing not to withdraw the Bus Service Operators’ Grant as part of its deficit reduction programme.

Andrew Mitchell said, “I am pleased that National Express have re-emphasised their commitment to providing the local bus services that are central to the daily lives of many of my constituents. I will be keeping in close touch with Mr Barker to ensure such commitments are kept.”